NYT RECOMMENDATION

Homeland

Carrie Mathison is a bipolar C.I.A. agent perpetually convinced things are not what they seem, especially when former prisoner of war Nicholas Brody returns to the U.S. and is celebrated as a hero.

Watch ... if you want thrills, political intrigue, conspiracy theories and exceptional acting. When “Homeland” arrived on Showtime in 2011, it immediately established itself as the quintessential keep-you-guessing drama of the orange-alert-level era, exploring matters of national and international security, xenophobia and mental illness. The whole cast is outstanding, but Claire Danes is particularly notable.

Skip ... if you’re hoping for another “24.” Even though showrunners Alex Gansa and Howard Gordon both worked on the Jack Bauer pulse-pounder, “Homeland” is a more nuanced, complex and deliberate show, although it certainly has its gonzo moments. While Danes is wonderful, some may grow weary of Carrie’s histrionics and stubbornness.

How To Watch It

Season 3 signaled a widely noted dip in quality for the series. In order to understand the evolution of the characters, though, it’s helpful to know what happens during those 12 episodes. Best approach: Skip the more maddening chapters in that season (like “The Tower of David” and “Game On”) and fill in the narrative blanks by reading recaps. That way, you can finish Season 3 more quickly and get right to Season 4.